Mara bar and restaurant has opened in Edinburgh - here's what's on the menu including a Unicorn cocktail

A new bar serving small plates and cocktails has opened in Leith.

The Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a new relaxed waterside drinking spot in Old Leith.

Located at 58 Shore, in the heart of the picturesque and historic harbour area of Scotland’s capital city, Mara has uninterrupted waterfront views.

Split across two levels, the 2,400 sq ft space is an exciting new addition to Leith’s thriving food and drink scene, and includes a large outdoor seated area to enjoy the views of what is regularly voted one of the UK’s coolest places to live.

As well as occupying a standout location, Mara, which means sea in Gaelic, offers flavoursome small plates and sharing boards, including IJ Mellis charcuterie and Mara Mezze boards, with ingredients such as artisan Scottish cheese and honey, Great Glen venison bresaola, black garlic chorizo, Tuscan finocchiona salami, Aleppo chilli hummus, muhammara, and house pickles.

Also on the menu are plates of low n slow lamb, seafood tacos, pork and Thai basil wontons in pho broth with kaffir lime, mussels in Malaysian laksa broth, burrata with fig, pistachio and crispy prosciutto, glazed halloumi skewers, classic jerk BBQ wings with mango salsa and pina colada hot sauce, and beef short rib nuggets with buttery confit garlic.

A well curated drinks offering complements Mara’s food, with a rotational wine list spanning red, white, rosé, orange and natural – and an exciting Mara Wine Club soon to be launched – along with the best of Scottish craft beers sitting beside the popular draught big hitters, and an inspired Low and No offering too.

Mara Edinburgh Leith

Bringing a distinctly mythological depiction to the drinks menu are cocktails such as The Pictish Beast, The Kelpie, The Selkie, The Faerie, Nessie, The Banshee, Cailleach (The Witch) plus of course, The Unicorn.

Furthermore, a number of areas within Mara are flexibly placed to welcome larger gatherings or private events; perfect for those seeking the convenience of a city destination but with a charming old-world neighbourhood appeal.

Speaking about the new opening, Simon Keane, Director, Mara, said: "We are excited to be launching Mara in the thriving district of The Shore at Leith and are delighted to have secured such a standout location for what will be an excellent new addition to the local neighbourhood.

“When it comes to hospitality, The Shore has a truly unique appeal. With Mara’s offering of delicious food, an impressive drinks menu, and warm, friendly atmosphere, we look forward to welcoming patrons and very much hope they will enjoy the Mara experience.”

21 winners of top Scottish food and drink awards including incredible Fishwife pie

Mara, The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, UK
Mara, The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, UK, EH6 6RA
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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